From policy to practice: anti-ableist social work through participation

This article explores the potential for overcoming institutional ableism through a participatory, anti-oppressive and rights-based approach, focusing on the professional training of practitioners in disability services. Drawing on human rights and disability studies, which frame disability as socially constructed by systemic barriers, the article highlights the need to dismantle discriminatory norms in order to promote empowerment and full participation. The article revisits the Tuscany Region’s experience as a concrete attempt to deconstruct ableism through participatory public policies, notably the co-production of micro-projects aligned with the ‘Progetto di Vita’ (‘Life Project’). The action-research project ‘A Good Life’ studied this model, fostering exchanges between professionals and service users to co-construct knowledge and context-sensitive solutions. Findings suggest that the active involvement of policy beneficiaries enhances intervention effectiveness and contributes to a broader cultural shift. The article stresses the need for intensive training, critical awareness and continuous monitoring to avoid reproducing ableist frameworks. Universities are crucial in supporting such projects and providing methodological supervision. The overarching goal is an interprofessional, personalised service delivery approach centred on inclusion, empowerment and the affirmation of disability rights.